Reasons for withdrawal from higher vocational education. A comparison of ethnic minority and majority non‐completers

Abstract

The present study explored possible differences in reasons for withdrawing from higher vocational education between ethnic minority and majority non‐completers in the Netherlands. Tinto's model on the departure process was used as a theoretical framework. A total of 1017 non‐completers filled in a questionnaire regarding their reasons for withdrawal. An exploratory factor analysis resulted in six factors representing these reasons. Multivariate analyses of variance showed no main effect for ethnic background of non‐completers, but interaction effects with type of withdrawal (drop‐out versus switching course or institution), and moment of withdrawing (early or late). Ethnic minority drop‐outs withdrew more often than majority drop‐outs because of a perceived poor quality of education. A lack of ability was more important in the decision to withdraw for majority drop‐outs compared to ethnic minority drop‐outs. Ethnic minority switchers withdrew more often than majority switchers because they were disappointed with the educational content. This factor also appeared to be more important to minority non‐completers who had left higher vocational education after more than one year in comparison with the late majority non‐completers.

Keywords:

• non‐completion
• withdrawal reasons
• higher vocational education
• ethnic background
• differences